Few in haute horlogerie have followed a path like David Candaux. More than a watchmaker, he embodies “Le cœur et l’esprit” — the heart and the spirit. Driven by a relentless pursuit of horological perfection, David Candaux extends the storied legacy of the Vallée de Joux — from the early 20th-century masters to Philippe Dufour — forging a new chapter defined by mechanical clarity, artistic depth, and unprecedented invention. A third-generation artisan, educated in the Vallée de Joux, shaped by Jaeger-LeCoultre, and refined behind the scenes for major maisons, Candaux never chased fame, only freedom.

He claimed it in 2017, founding his independent brand in Le Solliat, and launching the DC1, an original creation featuring the world’s first all-titanium movement, the patented Magic Crown winding system, and the 30-degree inclined tourbillon. Since then, every watch bearing his name has been crafted entirely in-house — conceived, built, and finished by hand. 

(Image: Revolution ©)

In 2025, that vision gave rise to his boldest creation yet: The DC12 MaveriK. Seventeen years of reflection, it reimagines what time can become in the hands of a man who refuses to compromise.

The DC12 MaveriK: A new peak in independent horology

At the center of the DC12 MaveriK is the C30 calibre, a seven-level mechanical ecosystem that breathes with life. It’s powered by two independent balances connected by a patented flying satellite differential suspended on a hairspring shock absorber. The double balance doesn’t fight for dominance. It collaborates, continuously harmonizing in real time. 

The phrase ‘Le Cœur et l’Esprit’ (Heart and Soul) is a subtle reminder of the watchmaker’s philosophy (Image: ©Revolution)

Three patents power this fluid intelligence: The flying satellite differential — a horological first, positioned on the seconds train, allowing for enhanced precision; the secured winding system — preventing mechanical backlash and ensuring smooth energy transfer; and the coaxial crown — separating winding and setting with poetic precision.

The case — 39.5mm of hand-finished Grade 5 titanium — is an ode to elegance through ergonomics. Soft, curved, seamless. Candaux’s signature retractable “magic crown”disappears at 6 o’clock, preserving the purity of form and function.

(Image: Revolution ©)

The transparent caseback reveals the splendor of the mechanical movement crafted from grade 5 titanium, where two hearts beat in precise harmony (Image: Revolution ©)

Then there’s the dial — alive with texture and asymmetry. A nickel silver baseplate, elliptical aperture, and flame-blued hands dancing across a central white opal disc. The titanium indexes curve gently along its contours, and at 6 o’clock, delicately inscribed: “Le Cœur et l’Esprit”; a gentle reminder of the watchmaker’s philosophy.

Through the sapphire caseback, two beating balances pulse in perfect rhythm. Elongated bridges polished to perfection, snow-grain finishes, straight-graining, hand bevelling — every detail crafted in-house, every element meticulously refined. 

A legacy of becoming: DC1, DC6 & DC7

While the journey began with the DC1, it was the DC1 Titanium that truly demonstrated the brand’s mastery: housed in a bold, asymmetrical Grade 5 titanium case with a sculptural form, sloping bezel, and curved lugs and hand-grained 18-carat yellow gold dial — centered around the signature 6 o’clock “magic crown”. The year 2025 marked a turning point, as the DC6 Titanium and DC7 Blue Hawk emerged as foundational timepieces, setting the stage for the arrival of the MaveriK.

D6 Titanium

A crafted landscape, the DC6 Titanium’s dial, engraved with the “Pointes du Risoux” guilloché, mirrors the forest surrounding David Candaux’s atelier. The collection features the innovations introduced with the DC1, including the all-titanium movement, the patented Magic Crown winding system, and the 30-degree inclined tourbillon that further enhances chronometric precision. The asymmetrical titanium case, anchored by the signature “magic crown,” houses a cascade-style movement with sharp inward angles and the “Côtes du Solliat” finish — named after Candaux’s village. A subtle bear motif on the crown and movement nods to Candaux’s nickname and the Vallée de Joux’s heritage.

With the DC7 Blue Hawk, Candaux soars. Inspired by the agility of a hawk, its 44mm case flows with movement, anchored by a radiant blue anodized titanium dial. At 12 o’clock, a 30° inclined flying tourbillon spins like a bird in orbit, while the off-centered display nods to Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. Inside, the H70 calibre — fully crafted from titanium and inclined at 3° — delivers lightweight strength and a rare 10-year guarantee. Its 29-component tourbillon offers striking depth and high chronometric performance. Grained bridges reveal a hand-finished movement, with polished bevels and sharp inward angles throughout. Limited to just eight pieces, the DC7 Blue Hawk embodies Candaux’s “Heart and Mind” philosophy.

(Image: Revolution ©)

(Image: Revolution ©)

The DC12 MaveriK is more than Candaux’s latest release — it is his statement of becoming. Its name nods to Samuel A. Maverick, the Texan rancher who refused to brand his cattle — a symbol of independence, instinct, and conviction. The final “K” reinforces the watch’s kinetic energy, angular strength, and bold aesthetic. Rooted in over 30 years of precision and passion, “12” echoes David’s emblematic “6” — representing the hexagon, creation, and harmony.

Only a handful will ever be made. But for those who understand, who feel the call of the forest, the weight of time, and the pull of craft — the DC12 MaveriK is more than a timepiece; it’s a companion on the path less followed.

Tech Specs: David Candaux DC12 MaveriK

Movement: Manual-winding C30 caliber; 58-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes; small seconds
Case: 39.5 mm × 11,7 mm; titanium; water-resistant to 50m
Dial: Sapphire seconds subdial; black graduated rim for minutes and seconds; tampographed inscription “Le Coeur et l’Esprit”; flame-blued stainless-steel hour and minute hands, bevelled and hand-polished; small seconds in flame-blued stainless steel, bevelled and hand-polished, integrated into the planetary differential with flying satellite at 12 o’clock
Strap: Handmade rubber, with a velcro clasp engraved with the David Candaux logo
Price: Upon request
Availability: Limited edition of 188 numbered pieces worldwide